Startup India Recognition, Applied Through NSWS

What DPIIT recognition is

DPIIT recognition certifies that your entity is a "startup" under the definition notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The definition was revised in February 2026, so older guides that mention a Rs 100 crore turnover limit are out of date.

Who is eligible for recognition

As stated in the Startup Playbook of April 2026.

• Entity type: Private limited company, registered partnership firm, LLP, Multi-State Cooperative Society, or a cooperative society
• Age: Up to 10 years from incorporation or registration. A Deep Tech Startup: up to 20 years
• Turnover: Not more than ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. A Deep Tech Startup: ₹300 crore
• Purpose: Working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model with high
• Not a restructuring: An entity formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business is not a startup
• Deep Tech attributes: New scientific or engineering knowledge, a high share of R&D, significant novel intellectual property and a long

What recognition can give you

Lower trademark fee: A recognised startup pays ₹4,500 per class for e-filing, against ₹9,000 for other applicants.

• Lower trademark fee
• Lower patent fee
• No angel tax
• Eligibility for the tax holiday
• Other government schemes
• Not automatic

Recognition versus the income-tax holiday

The holiday was section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (tax years up to 2025-26). It is carried into section 140 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 from 1 April 2026.

• Entity type: Companies, partnership firms, LLPs and cooperatives as above
• Incorporation date: Within 10 years (20 for Deep Tech)
• Certificate: DPIIT Certificate of Recognition
• Benefit period: While the entity meets the definition
• Turnover test: ₹200 crore (Deep Tech ₹300 crore) in any year
• Government fee: Nil

Government fees

Fees for trademarks and patents are from the IP India fee pages checked on 25 October 2026. StampMitra's professional fee is separate.

• DPIIT recognition application: Nil
• Trademark, Form TM-A, per class (e-filing): ₹4,500
• Patent, Form 1 (e-filing): ₹1,600

Documents and details to keep ready

The official page does not list documents. This is StampMitra's checklist for the usual NSWS form; the form itself decides what is asked.

• Certificate of incorporation or registration
• PAN of the entity
• Description of the business, its innovation and scalability
• Website or pitch deck
• Proof of funding, patents or awards
• Details of the authorised person who logs in and submits

How to apply

As described on the Startup India recognition page, updated 14 September 2026.

Timing, validity and what ends recognition

Point, What the official sources say

• Application deadline: None. There is no filing deadline for recognition.
• Processing time: Not stated officially, so we do not quote one.
• How long recognition lasts: While the entity meets the definition. The official page does not describe a renewal.
• What ends it: Crossing the age limit (10 years, or 20 for Deep Tech) or the turnover limit (₹200 crore, or ₹300 crore for Deep Tech).
• Accuracy: Give accurate information. A mismatch between PAN and incorporation data is a common cause of problems.

Common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them

Write a clear innovation and scalability description. A vague one is the most common weakness.

• Write a clear innovation and scalability description. A vague one is the most common weakness.
• Do not apply for an entity formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.
• Do not apply as a sole proprietorship. It is not an eligible entity type.
• Make sure PAN, CIN or LLPIN and incorporation details match across your records.
• Apply only through NSWS. The Startup India page warns that no agency has been appointed.
• Apply for the tax holiday only if you are a private limited company or LLP incorporated in the date window.

What StampMitra does for you

StampMitra is a filing assistance platform. DPIIT recognition is issued only by DPIIT.

• Eligibility review
• Documentation support
• Filing support
• Tracking and next steps

How it works

1. Create an NSWS account Create an investor account at nsws.gov.in.
2. Add the approval Choose "Add Approvals", then "Central Approvals", and add "Registration as a Startup".
3. Fill in and submit Complete the form with entity and innovation details and submit.
4. Receive the certificate DPIIT reviews and issues the Certificate of Recognition with a recognition number.
5. Apply for the tax holiday if eligible A private limited company or LLP in the date window can apply to the Inter-Ministerial Board.

Frequently asked questions